The annual Heritage Festival in Edmonton has been forced to cancel its final day due to severe storm damage. The decision was made after a significant storm swept through the city on Sunday evening, causing extensive damage to the festival grounds.
According to festival organizers, the storm caused damage to tents, stages, and other infrastructure, making it unsafe for the event to continue. In a statement released on Monday morning, the festival’s executive director, Jim Gibbon, expressed his disappointment at having to cancel the final day of the festival.
“We are devastated to have to cancel the final day of the Heritage Festival,” said Gibbon. “The safety of our attendees, volunteers, and staff is our top priority, and the damage caused by the storm has made it impossible for us to continue.”
The storm, which brought strong winds and heavy rain, caused power outages and downed trees throughout the city. The festival grounds were not spared, with tents collapsing and debris scattered across the site. Photos shared on social media showed the extent of the damage, with many expressing their disappointment at not being able to attend the festival’s final day.
The Heritage Festival, which celebrates the diverse cultures and traditions of Edmonton’s many communities, had been running for three days before the storm hit. The event typically draws in thousands of attendees each year, with over 70 pavilions showcasing food, music, and performances from different cultures.
Despite the cancellation of the final day, organizers are grateful for the success of the festival’s first two days and are already looking forward to next year’s event. “We want to thank everyone who came out to support the festival and celebrate our city’s diversity,” said Gibbon. “We will be working hard to ensure that next year’s Heritage Festival is even bigger and better.”
The Heritage Festival is just one of many events that have been impacted by the severe weather in Edmonton. The city has been experiencing a series of storms in recent weeks, causing damage and power outages throughout the area. As the city works to clean up and recover from the storm, organizers are reminding attendees to stay safe and to check the festival’s website and social media for updates on future events.
